Focusing On The Fact That She Would Know What To Do Helped Claudette During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My contractions were 20 minutes apart for 2 hours and then they got closer and closer together over 20 minutes and all of a sudden were 2 minutes apart and I new it was happening.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Pushing

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

This was my 4th birth and my 3rd natural birth. The most helpful thing I did to prepare was to not think about it so much; but more so just focus on the fact that I would know what to do and was completely capable and in control.

What surprised you about your birth?

How different it was from all my other labours- it started with weak contractions 5 mins apart but then became very intense but 20 mins apart. I wasn't sure what was happening- if they were going to fade out or become more frequent. The frequency increased over a short period of time and once they were 2 mins apart, it was only an hour or so before he was born!

Know you are capable and believe in yourself!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My husband pressing firmly on my lower back; focusing solely on relaxing my pelvis through the contraction; I would cover my face, breathe and not make a sound in my own little world and ride out each contraction

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

On top of the world

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Know you are capable and believe in yourself!

***photo courtesy of @lcarrelas of
LTC Photography @LTCphotography